Fansided

5 reasons the New York Giants reach playoffs in 2018

By Baasil Ebrahim

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 01: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 01: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 01: New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) makes a catch during New York Giants Training Camp on August 1, 2018 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 01: New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) makes a catch during New York Giants Training Camp on August 1, 2018 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Saquon Barkley

26th. 29th. 19th. 23rd. 29th.

The last five years, those are the ranks for the Giants in terms of total rushing yards. It has been a miserable attempt to run the ball. The blame for that goes both on the offensive line and on the running backs but this year, it will be different. The credit for that goes to Saquon Barkley.

The uber-talented running back out of Penn State will be lucky to run behind Nate Solder, but it is his show. He is expected to dominate for the Giants in all facets of the game. He will be catching passes and taking the vast majority of carries out of the backfield. All of that is expected to be done at a high level, showcased by his seventh-overall ADP in PPR fantasy leagues. Oh, and he is the betting favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award this year. That should say all it needs to about Barkley’s expectations for this year.

Despite the hamstring tweak he suffered during preseason, Barkley expects to be ready by Week 1. That is music to Giants fans ears, especially after his performance against the Browns in preseason.

He started the game off with a 39-yard run that was all Giants fans needed to see. From seeing that play, all of those expectations were reinforced, and honestly they are well founded. Barkley can truly do it all for the Giants this year. The depth of talent the Giants have around their offense will allow Barkley to not be a defense’s focal point every play. All of this should result in a big rookie season from him.

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